The library promotes life-long learning with specific programs and services for seniors. In addition to books, magazines, newspapers, large print books and audio books, the library provides programming of particular interest to seniors. These programs are held in the library and at other local sites. Topics include health issues, financial plans, driving safety, mental health, caregiving, genealogy and community services. A series of programs designed for patrons 50 years and over is presented each summer. This series encourages writing and other methods of sharing one's personal history. A bookmobile runs weekly to retirement communities and monthly book discussions are held at local retirement sites. Information is available at the library from local agencies, organizations and businesses that have services for seniors.

The Douglas County Senior Center is committed to creating opportunities that allow Douglas County citizens 60 years and older to remain independent and active in their homes and communities. Programs are designed to meet the varied interests and needs of older adults and their families. Programs include active participation in computer classes, woodworking and painting; travel programs; trips within the United States and to other countries. The Center advocates life-long learning with educational classes that keep the mind, body and spirit growing. The Center is also host to one of only 12 Adult Day Care Centers in the state of Kansas. It is also one of the county meal sites for older adults. Transportation is available by reservation through the Center. Assistance with questions on Medicare, Medicaid, utility assistance and other state-aided programs are part of the mission of the Center.

Project Lively in the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department

200 Maine St.; 785-843-3060

Contact: Sandra Kelly-Allen, LMSW, Coordinator of Project Lively

Provides services to older adults living in their own homes but need some assistance in daily activities, also does assessments to determine needs and services. Provides information on local services and options for clients, caregivers and/or family members.

Kansas University Alzheimer and Memory Program

This program studies different aspects of Alzheimer's disease and the brain's reaction to this disease. How memory is developed and lost is also a topic of interest. Recent studies have included "Can an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Slow the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease?" and a beginner pilot study on exercise and the progression of the disease. Participants for the Alzheimer Disease Exercise Program Trial (ADEPT) have been recruited and the study is currently underway. Contact the person listed below for more information on these topics and others in the Program.

Stacy Picek

Graduate Research Assistant, Director of Education & Outreach

University of Kansas School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, MSN 2012

Various issues on providing services and care for older adults. Recent project and study on the problem of hoarding by older adults was presented this past spring at a conference and covered by the Wichita newspapers and television stations.

Services for Senior Citizens (must be 60 and older). This legal office is a state-wide non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping low-income Kansans meet their basic needs through the provision of essential legal, mediation and employment training services. Provides legal advice or representation in civil matters; document preparation for wills, living wills and advance directives; assistance with financial management and bill paying.

In connection with the Kansas Elder Law Hotline: 1-888-353-5337 (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm). A toll-free legal advice and referral hotline for all Kansas Seniors. The attorneys answering the calls are private attorneys who have volunteered or are Kansas Legal Services, Inc. employees. The attorneys are trained to work with the problems of senior citizens.

Lawrence Community Theater

Vintage Players is the group from the LCT that are age 60 and over. Under the direction of Mary Ann Saunders, this group does reading theater presentations to groups of all ages. It also has had a five-year partnership with second-graders at Deerfield and Cordley Elementary schools. The Vintage Players visit the classrooms and read classic fairy tales to the students. Together with the students, the Players act the stories out and often do pictures to illustrate the stories as well.